Statement of the Executive Secretary of the Staff Co-ordinating Council

The 2004 Medal Awards Ceremony

Palais des Nations Geneva, Wednesday 9 June 2004

Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Co-ordinating Council and the staff of the United Nations Office at Geneva, I would like to thank you all for attending this important ceremony.
We are gathered here to pay tribute to Sergeant Gabriel Pichon and Security Officer Romain Baron of the Security and Safety Section for their outstanding contribution to the ideals of the United Nations. Both were on duty at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad on 19 August 2003 and sustained serious injuries as a result of the attack on the United Nations office in which many colleagues lost their lives.
Our colleagues have distinguished themselves and are honored today in recognition of their unfailing qualities of personal courage and bravery and their dedication to the core principles and values of the Organization. They have distinguished themselves through their profound respect for human dignity.
Today, Sergeant Pichon and Security Officer Baron will receive the United Nations Medal of Distinction. We, the staff, your colleagues, thank you for your dedication to your duties, for per- forming your job above and beyond the call of duty. We, the staff, your colleagues, are proud of you.

Thank you.